The funding is included in the Conference Report to H.R. 2892, which funds the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA in Fiscal Year 2010.  The conference report merged earlier House- and Senate-passed versions of the spending bill.  The House passed the Conference Report today by a vote of 307 to 114, and the Senate is expected to act in the coming days so it can be sent to President Obama for his signature.

 LaTourette said the Lamplight Lane Retention Basin Project in Willoughby Hills is a flood control project along a tributary to Euclid Creek intended to alleviate substantial flooding of both public and private properties.  The funds for this project will be used for channel improvements, the construction of a retention basin, and the replacement of twin 54” diameter culverts with a 16-foot by 4-foot box culvert.  In addition, the retention basin will improve water quality by enhancing existing wetlands in the immediate area.

 LaTourette said Willoughby Hills officials did an analysis of flooding in the area in 2000, but have been unsuccessful in seeking funding from various sources over the years.  LaTourette said this flood mitigation project through FEMA will be far less expensive than if the area experiences a massive flood similar to the one in Lake County in July 2006, resulting in a disaster designation and extensive property, road and structure damage.

 In addition, LaTourette said the Lake County Storm Water Management Department has committed approximately 35% to the cost of the project, or $250,000.

 “This area has been of concern to local officials for years, and with this funding we should be able to alleviate future flooding,” LaTourette said.  “I’m happy that the city of Willoughby Hills and the county have partnered on this, and I think it’s a wise use of federal funding.”